You’ve probably heard of oxytocin, often referred to as the “cuddle chemical” or “hug hormone.” Popular stories suggest that hugging or cuddling can boost oxytocin levels, enhancing feelings of love and trust. However, these ideas are oversimplified and not entirely accurate. Let’s delve into the science of oxytocin to uncover the truth behind these myths.
Oxytocin functions both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. As a neurotransmitter, it facilitates communication between brain cells. As a hormone, it is produced in one part of the body and travels through the bloodstream to exert effects elsewhere. This dual role makes oxytocin unique.
Discovered in the early 1900s, oxytocin was initially recognized for its role in childbirth and breastfeeding. The notion of oxytocin as a “hug hormone” emerged from animal studies in the 1970s, particularly with goats, where it was thought to strengthen the bond between mothers and their offspring.
Dan Quintana, a researcher from the University of Oslo, has spent over a decade studying oxytocin and debunking myths surrounding it. One common misconception is that simple actions like hugging or petting animals can significantly boost oxytocin levels. While these activities might release some oxytocin, the amounts are often too small to have a noticeable impact on our emotions or behavior.
Research on humans shows mixed results regarding oxytocin levels after hugging. Measurements in saliva or blood do not always reflect changes in the brain, meaning any shifts in oxytocin may not influence our feelings or thoughts.
Oxytocin’s effects are more complex than simply promoting positive feelings. It can enhance group bonds but may also lead to negative behaviors toward outsiders. For instance, some studies suggest oxytocin can increase feelings of schadenfreude, or pleasure from others’ misfortunes, highlighting its dual nature.
Research is ongoing to explore oxytocin’s potential benefits for specific groups, such as individuals on the autism spectrum. Some studies have shown improved social behaviors in children with autism when given oxytocin, but results vary based on numerous factors.
The comforting narrative of oxytocin as a “hug hormone” persists, but the reality is more nuanced. While oxytocin plays various roles in behavior, our understanding of its complexities is still evolving. Hugging your partner or pet can feel good, but it doesn’t need to be attributed to oxytocin.
If you’re interested in debunking more brain myths, consider exploring the course “Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience” offered by Wondrium. This course, presented by experts, covers various misconceptions, such as the false idea of the brain being divided into creative and analytical sides.
Wondrium provides a wealth of educational content, including videos and documentaries. They are offering a free trial for BrainCraft viewers. Visit wondrium.com/braincraft to start your free trial today and expand your understanding of neuroscience.
Join a seminar where you will discuss common myths about oxytocin. Prepare a short presentation debunking one myth using scientific evidence. Engage with your peers by asking questions and providing feedback on their presentations.
Participate in a role-playing exercise where you simulate scenarios involving oxytocin’s effects. Work in groups to act out situations that demonstrate both the positive and negative influences of oxytocin on human behavior.
Conduct research on the latest studies about oxytocin’s effects on human behavior. Form debate teams to argue for or against the notion of oxytocin as a “hug hormone.” Use scientific data to support your arguments.
Analyze case studies that explore oxytocin’s impact on specific populations, such as individuals with autism. Discuss the findings in small groups and consider the implications for future research and therapy.
Create an art project that represents the dual nature of oxytocin. Use any medium you prefer, such as painting, sculpture, or digital art. Present your work to the class and explain how it reflects the complexities of oxytocin’s role in human behavior.
**Sanitized Transcript:**
Chances are you’ve heard of oxytocin before, mainly because of stories like this: “Oxytocin is sometimes called the cuddle chemical,” “Hugging releases oxytocin,” and “Here’s your prescription from Dr. Love: Eight hugs a day.” However, many of these statements are not entirely accurate. In our quest to simplify things, the narrative surrounding oxytocin has become muddled with misconceptions. It’s gotten so out of hand that you can even buy oxytocin spray for an unsubstantiated boost of love and trust.
So, if you’re wondering how we got to this point and what oxytocin actually does, you’re in the right place. We’re going to explore the science of oxytocin, because much of what you’ve heard about it may be incorrect.
Part of this video is sponsored by Wondrium. Get your free trial at wondrium.com/braincraft.
This is probably what you’ve heard about oxytocin: that it is a cuddle chemical or a hug hormone, and that hugging your partner is a surefire way to release oxytocin. However, this may not necessarily be true.
Dan Quintana, an oxytocin researcher and senior researcher at the University of Oslo in the psychology department, has been studying oxytocin for over a decade. He is also known for debunking myths about oxytocin. One of the most persistent myths is that you can quickly boost your oxytocin levels by scratching your dog, hugging a pillow, or even a goat, and feel good as a result.
To understand why this is not necessarily the case, we need to go back to the basics of oxytocin. It operates both as a hormone and a neurotransmitter. A neurotransmitter typically communicates from cell to cell within the brain, while a hormone is produced in one area of the body, released into the bloodstream, and acts in different parts of the body. Oxytocin is unique because it does both.
Oxytocin was discovered in the early 1900s, with researchers finding that it plays an important role in childbirth by contracting the uterus and in breastfeeding. However, the idea of oxytocin as the “hug hormone” originated from studies on animals, particularly goats, in the 1970s. Researchers suspected that oxytocin might contribute to the bond between mother goats and their offspring, primarily through their ability to identify their young by smell.
This led to further studies on the social aspects of oxytocin in both animals and humans. One notable study in 1988 examined the role of oxytocin in touch and found that a specific type of touch—specifically a pinch—seemed to release oxytocin in rats. This finding was misinterpreted and evolved into the idea that hugging or cuddling would have the same effect.
The connection between oxytocin and hugging seems to stem from the maternal aspects of oxytocin related to childbirth and breastfeeding. While hugging may release some oxytocin, the levels might be so small that they don’t have a significant impact.
Research on hugging and oxytocin in humans shows mixed results. Typically, oxytocin levels are measured in saliva or blood, but the release of oxytocin into the bloodstream may not correlate with its release in the brain. Therefore, any changes in oxytocin levels may not necessarily affect our thoughts or feelings.
It’s important to note that while hugging is beneficial, the evidence regarding oxytocin levels after hugging is inconsistent. Sometimes levels rise, sometimes they fall, and we may not even notice these changes.
Interestingly, people often cannot distinguish between receiving oxytocin or a placebo in studies, indicating that oxytocin does not produce a noticeable feeling. Despite this, oxytocin is marketed online, and some people even host “oxytocin parties” where they hug each other in hopes of boosting their mood. However, oxytocin does not function like other substances that produce clear effects.
Another area of research involves oxytocin’s role in trust. A 2005 study found that oxytocin increased trusting behaviors in a small group of participants playing an economic game. However, subsequent studies with larger sample sizes have struggled to replicate these findings. Some exploratory analyses suggest that oxytocin may have effects on individuals with lower baseline trust levels, but more research is needed.
Oxytocin is more complex than previously thought. It can enhance bonds within groups but may also lead to negative behaviors towards those outside the group. This duality suggests that oxytocin cannot be simplified as merely a positive hormone.
For example, some studies have indicated that oxytocin can increase feelings of schadenfreude, or pleasure derived from others’ misfortunes. Thus, oxytocin’s effects can vary widely depending on context.
Research continues to explore oxytocin’s potential benefits for specific populations, such as individuals on the autism spectrum. Some studies have shown improved social behaviors in children with autism when given oxytocin, but results have been mixed and depend on various factors.
Overall, the narrative surrounding the “hug hormone” persists because it is a comforting story. However, the reality of physiology is more nuanced. The science of oxytocin is evolving, and while it plays various roles in behavior, we are only beginning to understand its complexities.
It’s perfectly fine to hug your partner or your dog simply because it feels nice, without needing to attribute it to a hormone.
If you’re interested in debunking more brain myths, I recommend the course “Brain Myths Exploded: Lessons from Neuroscience” from Wondrium, the sponsor of this video. Wondrium offers a wealth of educational content, including videos and documentaries presented by experts.
For example, the idea that the brain is divided into creative and analytical sides (the left brain/right brain myth) is false, and this course explains how the two hemispheres are interconnected.
Wondrium is offering all BrainCraft viewers a free trial. Please visit wondrium.com/braincraft or click the link in the description below to start your free trial today.
Oxytocin – A hormone and neurotransmitter involved in childbirth and lactation, as well as in social bonding and trust. – The release of oxytocin during social interactions can enhance feelings of trust and bonding between individuals.
Hormone – A chemical substance produced in the body that regulates and controls the activity of certain cells or organs. – The hormone cortisol is released in response to stress and plays a crucial role in the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Neurotransmitter – A chemical messenger that transmits signals across a chemical synapse, such as between a neuron and another neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell. – Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is heavily involved in the reward and pleasure centers of the brain.
Emotions – Complex psychological states that involve physiological arousal, expressive behaviors, and conscious experience. – The study of emotions in psychology often examines how they influence decision-making and interpersonal relationships.
Behavior – The actions or reactions of an organism, usually in relation to the environment or stimuli. – Behavioral psychology focuses on understanding how environmental factors influence observable behavior.
Trust – A psychological state comprising the intention to accept vulnerability based upon positive expectations of the intentions or behavior of another. – Trust is a fundamental component in the formation and maintenance of social relationships and is often studied in social psychology.
Bonding – The process of forming a close emotional relationship, often studied in the context of parent-child or social relationships. – Bonding between a mother and her newborn is facilitated by the release of oxytocin during breastfeeding.
Autism – A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. – Research in autism often focuses on understanding the neurological differences that contribute to the condition’s characteristic behaviors.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Conducting research in neuroscience can lead to breakthroughs in understanding brain function and treating neurological disorders.
Neuroscience – The scientific study of the nervous system, including its structure, function, development, genetics, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. – Advances in neuroscience have provided deeper insights into how the brain processes information and controls behavior.
